Posted on May 20, 2015
How do you transfer from the reserves to active duty as an officer?
56.6K
41
38
10
10
0
I am trying to find out, is there a way to transfer from the reserves to active duty? I have ben told a few different things like it is possible but you have to be MOSQ for 2 years. I have been also told its a flat out no. So I'm hoping for some clear cut answers. Also would it help or not that my current reserve unit is being shut down so I have to find a new unit no matter what.
Posted >1 y ago
Responses: 23
Chris, my advice is going to differ somewhat from the others comments based upon what I see in my lofty position. First of all, good for you on your decision to go AC. I always encourage officers to do this even at the expense of losing a valuable asset because the experience you will receive will be much greater than a Reserve Officer can normally receive.
1. First of all, yes there is sequestration, but I sign release forms every month for young officers who want to go AC. This is due tot he fact that each branch still needs to maintain a certain amount in each year group to keep the pipeline balanced. Unlike a civilian job that institutes a hiring freeze, the military can't do that. We are not going to tell the schoolhouse to shutdown for a year or two. So they will be giving pink slips to Captains at the same time they are commissioning new Lieutenants.
2. The AGR program is an option, but they are really looking for CPT-MAJ. This will be a very different career than AC. You will spend the vast majority of your career in a support role, not command. I do not know of any 2LTs accessed into this program.
3. Your branch matters. I just signed a release last week for a Battalion Chaplain for example. Talk to your PMO. Another option is to go into a Non-Accession Branch such as CA, PYSOP (MISO), or SF. They are generally looking for a senior 1LT.
4. If you have not done BOLC, you will need that before someone will seriously consider you. As his dying act, beg your PMO to get you to school ASAP.
Feel free to contact me on EE mail for further guidance. GO's love to help!
1. First of all, yes there is sequestration, but I sign release forms every month for young officers who want to go AC. This is due tot he fact that each branch still needs to maintain a certain amount in each year group to keep the pipeline balanced. Unlike a civilian job that institutes a hiring freeze, the military can't do that. We are not going to tell the schoolhouse to shutdown for a year or two. So they will be giving pink slips to Captains at the same time they are commissioning new Lieutenants.
2. The AGR program is an option, but they are really looking for CPT-MAJ. This will be a very different career than AC. You will spend the vast majority of your career in a support role, not command. I do not know of any 2LTs accessed into this program.
3. Your branch matters. I just signed a release last week for a Battalion Chaplain for example. Talk to your PMO. Another option is to go into a Non-Accession Branch such as CA, PYSOP (MISO), or SF. They are generally looking for a senior 1LT.
4. If you have not done BOLC, you will need that before someone will seriously consider you. As his dying act, beg your PMO to get you to school ASAP.
Feel free to contact me on EE mail for further guidance. GO's love to help!
(8)
(0)
CPT (Join to see)
Sir, Thank you for your offer of guidance. I will indeed be sending you an email for further help.
(0)
(0)
SGM (Join to see)
Sir I would agree with General. Unless you change branches it is difficult to get past LTC in the AGR program. I have seen a lot of good officers retire at O5 or get off the AGR program to get their O6.
(0)
(0)
LT...you may want to look into the AGR program, as a signal office there may be a spot. Go to the HRC website and fill out an AGR packet. It stands for Active Guard Reserve if you are not familiar with that acronym. Have you talked with active duty recruiter?
(5)
(0)
I am going to echo two points everyone has made:
-First....look at AGR. It is seriously the best "secret" in the Army. I find that I am getting more experience and development than my Active Duty peers and we seem to have a bit of a more sure-footed career path in some aspects.
-Second....review Call to Active Duty. Typically you have to be a CPT with CCC Complete in certain fields to qualify (FA53 and FA24 have been pretty steadily on the list)....but the last one started taking certain YG 1LTs for Civil Affairs. Keep an eye on the MILPERS and you might find your path there.
One more think I would add: keep an eye on Tour of Duty and keep in touch with your Career Manager...there may be taskers out there that can deploy you or put you on orders for extended periods of time.
I hope that helps. Definitely drop your packet for AGR (get a DA Photo...it matters). I would not go AD if you begged me right now, provided I can stay AGR. I love being AGR.
-First....look at AGR. It is seriously the best "secret" in the Army. I find that I am getting more experience and development than my Active Duty peers and we seem to have a bit of a more sure-footed career path in some aspects.
-Second....review Call to Active Duty. Typically you have to be a CPT with CCC Complete in certain fields to qualify (FA53 and FA24 have been pretty steadily on the list)....but the last one started taking certain YG 1LTs for Civil Affairs. Keep an eye on the MILPERS and you might find your path there.
One more think I would add: keep an eye on Tour of Duty and keep in touch with your Career Manager...there may be taskers out there that can deploy you or put you on orders for extended periods of time.
I hope that helps. Definitely drop your packet for AGR (get a DA Photo...it matters). I would not go AD if you begged me right now, provided I can stay AGR. I love being AGR.
(4)
(0)
Read This Next